Pet ban for couple who left scalded dog untreated

Two people have been banned from keeping animals after allowing a dog to suffer after it was scalded with hot water.

Missy was found to have a large, weeping, untreated burn caused by hot water when she was found by the RSPCA in Somerset.

Her former owners, Jordan Allen and Paisley Farthing, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering after Allen claimed Missy pulled over a cup of hot water while he was making a cup of tea.

Daniel Hatfield, an RSPCA inspector, encouraged owners struggling to look after their pets to reach out to charities for help.

*Warning this story contains graphic images*

Instead of seeking care from a vet for Missy, the couple took treatment advice from a friend and left her to suffer with weeping, pus-filled wounds covering parts of her back, shoulders and neck.

When vets finally saw Missy nine days later, her injuries were "well established", with pus-like discharge, fur loss, and some dry scabbing.

The vet report said Missy's scald pattern was "not consistent" with Allen's explanation of the dog jumping up at the work surface and knocking over a mug containing boiling water.

"In my opinion the needs of Missy were not met to the extent required by good practice due to the persons responsible for the welfare of this animal failing to seek prompt veterinary advice after becoming aware that the dog had been scalded by boiling water, thereby failing to protect this animal from pain and suffering," the report added.

Allen, 24, of no fixed abode, and Farthing, 32, of Park Drive, Bruton, were investigated and prosecuted by the RSPCA.

Allen was given a 10 year ban from owning all animals, while Farthing was banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Daniel Hatfield, who investigated for the RSPCA, said: "Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.

"If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal we'd encourage them to reach out to a charity or organisation who can help."

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